By: Abigail Vital, EBC New York Bureau
Music has been an important part of history, as a way to pass on part of a tradition or simply just for pleasure. Creating music, then, has been an integral part of carrying out this tradition. With the use of instruments, music is made, and thus enjoyed by many. The piano in itself has its own history. Whether playing one of Beethoven’s classics or serenading to Billy Joel’s, “The Piano Man,” the music that comes from playing the piano can be heard and enjoyed by many.
To commemorate the 6th anniversary of the largest public arts project in the United States, the Sing for Hope Pianos are now on display in various parts of New York City’s five boroughs from June 6 to June 25. Sixty pianos are beautifully displayed for the public to freely play and admire.
During the launching of the mobile pianos last Monday in Downtown Manhattan, a special concert was led by Jon Baptiste, bandleader for CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”. Baptiste conducted 60 pianists in playing Bach’s “Prelude in C”. Each piano on display suits a different personality and style as no two pianos are identical in design. Some favorite piano designs include one that highlights Disney’s The Lion King and another featuring a design of a penguin on the piano.
My ultimate favorite piano design would be the purple piano, with a large lilac heart painted on the front and the word “LOVE” in bold letters across the top. Music, in a way, brings people together in love. Thus, playing music on an instrument such as the piano brings out the best in people through their love of music.
These pianos are beautiful and they serve an exceptional experience for the public. Ten of the 60 pianos in the Sing for Hope project will remain at 28 Liberty Plaza in downtown Manhattan. The remaining pianos will be on display at various places throughout New York City. For more information on the locations of the pianos, go to www.singforhope.org.
